By Marlene Freeman

Minister of Transport, Daryl Vaz has indicated that the rural school bus system will incorporate existing bus operators who have been transporting PATH students.

These operators have existing private contracts with the Education Ministry to transport children who are on the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) and have been providing a safe, reliable service for many years.

The fit-for-purpose buses being imported by government for the rural school bus system will service over 250 schools across the island.

Concern has been raised about the impact the new system will have on some bus operators who transport school children.

The Transport Minister assured that it’s not his or the government’s policy to disenfranchise existing drivers.

He said a meeting hosted by the Education Ministry will be held soon to address the concerns.